The Crime and Misconduct Commission has produced a guide to help local governments deal with official misconduct.
The guide builds on an existing document, Facing the Facts – a CMC guide to dealing with suspected official misconduct in Queensland public sector agencies, which was published two years ago.
CMC Assistant Commissioner for Misconduct, Stephen Lambrides, will officially launch the ‘local government module’ of Facing the Facts during the North Queensland Local Government Association’s annual conference in Sarina tomorrow.
‘The new addition to Facing the Facts recognises that there are unique challenges in the local government sector, including a different legislative environment, that need careful consideration when dealing with official misconduct,’ Mr Lambrides said.
‘The close interface between the community, government and management in councils creates an environment in which the community has heightened expectations that the mechanics of local government will be honest, open, transparent and accountable,’ he said.
‘The community expects a strong culture of integrity in their council. The CMC understands that for councils, that responsibility can be seen as an added pressure, particularly if they are uncertain about how to deal with a complaint or concern raised by a member of the community about possible official misconduct within the council.’
The CMC’s new module is designed to help those people in local government who are responsible for identifying, reporting and dealing with any suspected official misconduct.
It also helps Mayors and councillors to understand the legal obligations placed on their CEO and senior managers.
Through documents like Facing the Facts, the CMC continues to take a lead role in increasing the public sector’s ability to deal with and prevent official misconduct.
Every year the CMC produces informative resources, conducts integrity workshops and regional visits as well as provides ad hoc advice and information to agencies when needed.
Note: CMC Assistant Commissioner for Misconduct, Stephen Lambrides, is available for media interviews following the launch. The launch will take place on Thursday 4 May, Sarina Cultural Hall on Anzac Street, Sarina at 11.30 am.
ENDS
